Klagenfurt
Capital of the Austrian state of Carinthia, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is a major city in southern Austria.Her name in the regional German-Austrian dialect is Klognfuat.It is the sixth largest city in Austria and the largest in Carinthia having 102,617 citizens as of January 1, 2022.Situated in the center of the Klagenfurt Basin, the 120 km2 urban area currently covers
Originally mentioned in a document dated 1192/1199, Klagenfurt was not particularly significant until 1518, when Maximilian I turned the city up to the Carinthian estates.This donation and the Protestant Reformation movement that followed in the sixteenth century helped Klagenfurt to become rather wealthy. Many buildings surviving intact, including the country house and the church, were built; the city grew to be the capital of Carinthia.
Today the statutory city of Klagenfurt hosts the headquarters of the district authority of Klagenfurt-Land, the Diocese of Gurk, the Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, the Gustav Mahler Private University of Music, the international airport, the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, and many other companies and organizations, including those of the Carinthian Slovenes.
The capital of the Austrian state of Carinthia, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is a dynamic and old city with great cultural legacy. Klagenfurt, which lies on the banks of the Glan river and close to the eastern coast of Lake Wörthersee, presents a lovely scene encircled by the Alps and the Karawanken mountain range. Divided into 16 districts, each with its distinct character and attractions, the city, with a population of over 100,000, spans 120 square kilometers.
Notable structures including the Cathedral, Town Hall, Landhaus, and Dragon Fountain abound in the city center—also known as the Innere Stadt. Along with a university and a private music academy, Klagenfurt features various museums, galleries, and theaters. The city holds a lot of celebrations and events all year long including the Ironman Austria, the World Bodypainting Festival, the Altstadtzauber, and the Klagenfurt Christmas Market.
Popular tourist destination Klagenfurt is especially in the summer when guests may take advantage of the Mediterranean temperature and leisure activities presented by Lake Wörthersee and the nearby Alps. One of Europe’s biggest and hottest Alpine lakes, the lake offers resorts, beaches, water sports, and a water temperature ranging up to 28 degrees Celsius. Along with a lively nightlife, the city provides a spectrum of cultural, gastronomic, and retail experiences. Apart from that, Klagenfurt forms the border with Slovenia and Italy and provides access to the Karawanken mountain range, which has beautiful hiking, riding, and skiing paths.
Klagenfurt welcomes many ethnicities, religions, and languages given its varied and cosmopolitan population. Though many of the population also speak Slovene, Croatian, Serbian, Turkish, English, and other languages, German is the official tongue. Among the various colleges and institutions in the city are Gustav Mahler Private University for Music, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, and the University of Klagenfurt.
Commerce, industry, and services define Klagenfurt’s economy; with an eye on high-tech and innovative areas including information and communication technology, biotechnology, and renewable energy, these sectors drive commerce and industry as well. Leading firms include Infineon Technologies, Kapsch Group, Siemens, and Philips call the city home. Conferences and events abound in Klagenfurt as well; sites include the Kärntner Messen, the Congress Center, and the Messe Klagenfurt are well-known.
Originally a hamlet known as Virunum, Klagenfurt’s history begins in Roman times. Founded in the 12th century, the city developed into a thriving commercial hub. Klagenfurt saw times of development, devastation, and reconstruction over the ages. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was governed by the Habsburg Empire; in 1955 it joined the Republic of Austria. Klagenfurt is a modern and energetic city today that welcomes sustainability and invention.
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee has something for everyone whether your interests are in learning about the city’s cultural legacy, engaging in outdoor pursuits, or taking in the energetic festival scene. Klagenfurt will enthrall and inspire guests with its breathtaking natural surroundings, rich history, and varied attractions.
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Geography Of Klagenfurt
Near the Slovenia border, southern Austria’s Klagenfurt am Wörthersee city is It lies in the Central Eastern Alps, more especially in the Southern Limestone Alps, where limestone and dolomite rocks abound. Part of the Klagenfurt Basin, a sizable depression in the Alpine Foreland, the city is
Part of Carinthia, Klagenfurt is surrounded by various surrounding areas including Feldkirchen, Sankt Veit a der Glan, Völkermarkt, and Villach-Land. It also borders the Italian municipality of Tarvisio and the Slovenia municipal of Kranj.
The city is conveniently reachable and well-served. Its international airport, Klagenfurt Airport, provides flights to several European and domestic locations. Klagenfurt also boasts a bus terminal and a train station, so offering choices for long-distance and regional travel. Via a system of roads and highways, the city also links other areas of Austria and surrounding nations.
Weather & Climate In Klagenfurt
With an average temperature of 6°C in March to 15°C in May, spring in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is a transitional season with warm and pleasant weather. The city gets 77mm of monthly precipitation; May receives the bulk of it. The humidity is 71%; the lowest recorded level in April 2019 came from 19%. Ten kilometers per hour is the wind speed; in March 2019, the strongest wind gust is eighty-three kilometers per hour.
With temperatures between 18°C in June and 20°C in August, summer is the warmest and suniest season. Throughout this period the city hosts a number of celebrations including the Lake Festival, the International Flower Show, and the Easter Market.
Another transitional season marked by cooler, wetter weather is autumn. With the lowest noted temperature recorded in November 2018 at -7°C, the average temperature runs from 15°C in September to 6°C in November. The city offers many cultural and leisure activities as well as moderate temperature and vibrant surroundings.
Winter is the coldest and snowiest season; its overcast and frigid conditions define it. With the lowest recorded temperature being -18°C in January 2017, the average temperature runs from 1°C in December to 3°C in February. The city gets 61mm of monthly precipitation; January sees the heaviest snowfall. The humidity is 83%; December 2019 had the highest recorded humidity—100%. The wind speed is 11 km/h; in January 2019, the maximum recorded wind gust was 87km/h.
Demographics Of Klagenfurt
The population of Klagenfurt am Wörthersee as of January 1, 2023 was 104,332. On February 22, 2016, the city reached a significant first: 100,000 people registered there. The local populace objected to previous attempts by the city to include nearby towns, notably Ebenthal in Carinthia and Krumpendorf am Wörthersee, therefore preventing their inclusion. If successful, the city’s plan to incorporate at least one of these neighborhoods would have hastened Klagenfurt’s population increase above 100,000 level.
About 3,000 people lived in Klagenfurt in the fifteenth century. Following developments in the 16th and 17th centuries resulted in notable increase; by 1750, there were around 7,500 residents. The city topped 10,000 people by 1820. Today’s suburbs were included into political communities in 1850, therefore increasing the population of Klagenfurt to nearly 15,000 by the 1869 census.
For Klagenfurt, the 20th century brought significant demographic and urban developments. Geographical area and population wise, the inclusion of Annabichl, St. Peter, St. Ruprecht, St. Martin, Hörtendorf, Viktring, Wölfnitz, and St. Peter/Bichl greatly helped the city to grow. These additions were essential in determining the urban scene of Klagenfurt and supporting its demographic numbers.
Districts & Neighborhoods in Klagenfurt
Not only the administrative center of the district of Klagenfurt-Land but also a distinct district itself with a population of around 100,000. There are sixteen districts in the city, each with particular historical background, culture, and attractions.
Comprising four districts—I. Innere Stadt, II. Völkermarkter Vorstadt, III. Villacher Vorstadt, and IV. St. Veiter Vorstadt—the historical and cultural center of Klagenfurt is the Innere Stadt, sometimes known as the Inner City. Among the many important sites in this neighborhood are the Alte Burg, the Landhaus, the Lindwurm fountain, the Stadttheater, and the Klagenfurt Cathedral. Various events such the Ironman Austria, the Altstadtzauber festival, and the Christkindlmarkt also find center stage at the Innere Stadt.
Situated south of the Innere Stadt, the St. Veiter Vorstadt area bears the name after the adjacent town of St. Veit a der Glan. Though it is mostly a residential region, it also has some industrial and business zones. Green areas include the Kreuzbergl park, Botanical Garden, and Europapark abound in the region. Along with cultural and educational establishments including the Robert Musil Literature Museum, the Carinthian State Museum, and the Gustav Mahler Private University for Music, it also hosts
East of the Innere Stadt, the Völkermarkter Vorstadt is a district bearing the name Völkermarkt, after the adjacent town. Home to a sizable minority of Slovenes, this is a varied neighborhood with residential, industrial, and commercial zones. Among the district’s sports facilities are the Eisstadion, Sportpark Klagenfurt, and Wörthersee Stadium. Along with religious and historical landmarks including the Friedenskirche, the St. Egid Church, and the St. George Church, it also boasts.
Economy Of Klagenfurt
With Benediktinerplatz, originally Herzogplatz, taking front stage since 1948, Klagenfurt—a city with historical importance—has seen changes in its primary market place. Twice a week, the square features a vibrant weekly urban market with a wide range of goods from vegetables, fruits, honey, meat, fish, and chicken. Especially, the market has changed to accommodate foreign vendors, therefore highlighting its increasing relevance across regions.
Many symbols clearly show the deep-rooted market tradition of the city, therefore safeguarding its legacy. Emphasizing market organization and freedom, a light column in the square prominently features a copy of the sword of the 18th-century market judge, Klagenfurter Freyung. A historical emblem as well, the “Stone Fisherman” at the edge of the plaza stands for the fish market that flourished on Heiligengeistplatz until 1925.
Beyond its ancient markets, Klagenfurt embraces modernism with malls and retail centers. The city is unique nationally for its retail options, drawing customers from not just the nearby area but also Italy and Slovenia. Important shopping avenues including Bahnhofsstraße, Burggasse, and Wiener Gasse join Neuer Platz with Heuplatz and create a lively shopping experience.
Operating since 2006 and under management by the ECE Group, the City-Arkaden Klagenfurt shopping mall is a retail behemoth in Carinthia. With 120 stores spread over about 30,000 square meters, this shopping mall was ahead of its time in Austria and one of the first city center arcades of its sort built there.
History Of Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt first appears in writing in 1192; the name might have come from the Slavic word “glagoljica,” which means “place of the glagolitic monks.” Originally along the river Glan, the settlement of Klagenfurt was relocated to its current position next to the lake in 1246 following a catastrophic fire. As a trading and cultural hub, the city flourished; Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles shaped it.
Commissioned in 1580, the lindwurm monument is among the most famous sites in Klagenfurt. It was motivated by the finding, mistaken for that of a dragon, a petrified skull of an Ice Age rhino. German master cast the monument in bronze after Italian sculptor created it. It reminds not only of Klagenfurt but also of the city’s past.
Over its past, Klagenfurt has had difficulties including fires, earthquakes, locust invasions, and Ottoman raids. During World War II it was also extensively bombed. Nevertheless, the city has surmounted these challenges and become a dynamic modern metropolis nevertheless honoring its natural and historical legacy.
Klagenfurt developed as a significant hub of Carinthian Slovene culture in the nineteenth century. Many well-known Slovene public personalities either resided in the city or studied there. But by the end of World War I, the city had adopted an essentially Austrian German character.
Best Time To Visit Klagenfurt
The seasons and the weather in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee are strongly correlated. Summer brings the most visits to the city when the lake and city are in their best states. When the temperature is moderate and the city is less congested, the city also draws some guests in the spring and autumn. Winter brings the fewest tourists to the city since the lake and the city remain silent and frigid.
The seasons of tourism influence also the availability and cost of lodging and services in the city. With high rates and limited availability, the summer is the most costly and hectic period. With fair rates and availability, the spring and autumn are relatively expensive and busy. With low rates and great availability, the winter is the least expensive and peaceful period.
The ideal time to visit Klagenfurt am Wörthersee will rely on your own tastes and desired activities and sightseeing in the city. Generally speaking, from May to September—when the weather is nice and sunny—the lake is tempting for swimming and boating, the city conducts many celebrations and events, and the most often used and enjoyable periods to come are May through September. Still, you might visit in the spring or autumn, when the city is less crowded and the weather is moderate, if you want to avoid the throngs and take advantage of reduced rates. If you enjoy winter activities, you can also visit during the winter when the surrounding ski resorts provide lots of snow and entertainment.
How To Get In Klagenfurt
Found 4km from the city center, Klagenfurt Airport (KLU) is the closest airport to Klagenfurt. Rent a car from the airport, use a Stadtwerke bus or cab to get to the city. Among the various airlines and destinations the airport flies Austrian Arrow, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and TUIfly. The terminal features a café, store, lounge, and free Wi-Fi among other basic conveniences.
Eighty kilometers from Klagenfurt, Ljubljana Airport (LJU) links most European cities as well as several Middle Eastern and North African locations. With an average price of €20 for a one-way transfer, the GoOpti shuttle service provides dependable, reasonably priced, flexible transportation to Klagenfurt. Modern conveniences including restaurants, bars, stores, lounge, business center, and free Wi-Fi abound in the LJU terminal.
travel to Graz Airport (GRZ), Salzburg Airport (SZG), Vienna International Airport (VIE), Trieste Airport (TRS), and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) will provide more travel choices. The ÖBB website for Austria and Trenitalia for Italy includes train schedules and pricing. Depending on the route and number of stops, the two to five hour train trip from these airports to Klagenfurt takes.
Since Klagenfurt lies at the confluence of the A2 and S37 freeways, it is readily reachable by vehicle. From Vienna to Graz via Klagenfurt, the A2 road then passes via Villach to the Italian border. Via Bruck a der Mur and Sankt Veit a der Glan, the S37 route runs from Vienna to Klagenfurt. Just forty-five kilometers away, the Loiblpass turnpike B91 links Klagenfurt with Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Attractions & Landmarks In Klagenfurt
Austria’s city of Klagenfurt is seeing increasing tourism from its gorgeous lakefront setting, breathtaking architecture, and active cultural activities. For those interested in Austrian culture, the city provides a combination of metropolitan vitality and rural village appeal.
Visitors can tour the Old Town, marvel at the magnificent Klagenfurt Cathedral, or just lounge by the lake and take in the amazing mountain vistas. As more visitors find Klagenfurt’s natural beauty and appeal over years, the city’s tourism sector has expanded noticeably.
Whether your interests are in culture or the natural world, Klagenfurt presents a wide spectrum of attractions and pursuits to investigate. The city highlights its rich history and architectural beauty from the Maria Saal Cathedral and the Lindwurm Statue to the Romanesque Church of St. Egid and the Longobardi Palace. Another hidden gem providing a window into the past and present of the city via its architectural features and natural surrounds is the Stadtpark.
Along with a thriving cultural environment with museums, galleries, theaters, and events like the Carinthian Summer Music Festival, Klagenfurt also features Architectural wonders and historical relevance of the Old Town make it a must-see for anybody wishing to fully experience the legacy of the city. Klagenfurt is a fascinating place for those looking for a combination of history, culture, and natural beauty since it presents something for everyone overall.
Things To Do In Klagenfurt
Sixth-largest city in the nation, Klagenfurt is well-known for its gorgeous surroundings on Lake Wörthersee, architectural beauty, and cultural activities. Having a rich history going back to the 12th century, Klagenfurt presents a wealth of events and sights for guests to savor.
Minimundus, a tiny park with copies of well-known sites from around the globe, is among Klagenfurt’s most popular attractions. Visitors can marvel at the workmanship and attention to detail of these models from the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty and the Taj Mahal while learning about the history and culture of the nations they reflect.
Lake Wörthersee is the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Offering a great variety of water sports including swimming, boating, fishing, and sunbathing, this lake, the biggest and warmest in Austria Worth seeing are Maria Wörth, Velden, and Pörtschach, three lovely communities and churches encircling the lake.
Another must-see venue in Klagenfurt is its historic center. Renaissance and Baroque architecture like those of the Landhaus, city hall, and cathedral allows guests to really experience the rich architectural legacy of the city. Popular among visitors and a landmark of Klagenfurt, the Lindwurm fountain shows a dragon killed by the city founder.
A trip to the Carinthian State Museum is quite advised if one wants to explore more the history and culture of Carinthia. Showcasing events from prehistoric periods to the present, the museum has collections of art, archaeology, folklore, and natural history.
Food & Drinks In Klagenfurt
Beyond its picturesque appeal, Klagenfurt stands out for its mouthwatering traditional cuisine, a harmonic mix of Austrian, Italian, and Slovenian flavors.
The famous Kärntner Kasnudel, a crescent-shaped dumpling stuffed with creamy ricotta and topped with crispy bread crumbs, epitomizes the centuries-spanning culinary tradition of the City. This meal reflects a complex tapestry of history and culture, so tantalizing the palette and capturing the gourmet legacy of Klagenfurt. Renowned internationally, the Kärntner Kasnudel attracts foodies to the city still today.
Among the gastronomic highlights of Klagenfurt are the Gurkerl pickles, hailed for their unusual taste and crispy texture, and the Kaiserschmarrn pancakes, a wonderful interaction of sweet and savory. The Kärgstanzl potato dumplings provide a consoling combination of soft potatoes mixed with herbs and spices.
The city’s dining scene offers a range of traditional Carinthian cuisine as well as foreign cuisine from upmarket restaurants and laid-back diners. From the delicate Reindling pastry to the filling Kärntner Kasnudeln, Klagenfurt offers real gastronomic adventures. Renowned condiment, Liptauer cheese spread, shows how creatively the city can create accompaniments that accentuate the tastes of local bread and crackers.
Shopping in Klagenfurt
Originally Herzogplatz, Benediktinerplatz has replaced Alter Platz as the main market square in Klagenfurt since 1948. Twice a week, a municipal weekly market hosts a varied range of commodities, drawing local “standers” as well as foreign vendors, hence increasing its national relevance.
Symbols on Benediktinerplatz, such as a lamp column featuring the Klagenfurt Freyung replica and the sword of the 18th-century market judge, show the historical significance of market law in Klagenfurt. A monument reflecting the historical fish market at the edge of the square is the “Steinerne Fischer.”
Though anchored in history, Klagenfurt welcomes modernism with a variety of retail outlets. The city’s importance goes beyond local boundaries since it attracts customers from Italy and Slovenia. Important inner city shopping avenues such Wiener Gasse, Burggasse, and Bahnhofsstrace add to Klagenfurt’s desirability as a destination.
Wiener Gasse links Neuer Platz with Heuplatz hosts the City-Arkaden Klagenfurt shopping center run by the ECE Group since 2006. Among the biggest in Carinthia, with 120 stores covering over 30,000 square meters, Leading in its kind during building, it represents the changing retail scene in Austria.
Established in 1998, the second-largest shopping center in Klagenfurt, the Südpark places itself deliberately close to the main train station. This further diversifies the shopping choices available in the city by serving both conventional market aficionados and those looking for a modern retail experience.
Nightlife in Klagenfurt
GIG Bar & Cafè is a well-liked hangout for musicians, artists, and students. This pub, which lies close to the University of Klagenfurt, features open mic evenings, DJ performances, and frequent live events. The ambiance is laid back and pleasant; the décor is vibrant and varied. It’s the ideal venue for hanging around, listening to some music, and meeting fresh people.
Should you be in the mood for a classic Austrian tavern, Bierhaus zum Augustin is the destination. This bar, which lies close to the cathedral in the center of the old town, offers substantial meals and beverages in a comfortable environment. The menu calls for traditional foods including sausages, goulash, and schnitzel; the drink list calls for local and international beers, wines, and spirits. One can have a meal, a drink, and a conversation with friends here in beautiful surroundings.
See Gates Lifestyle Bar for a more contemporary and fashionable encounter. Situated in the city center’s ancient plaza, Waagplatz, this pub boasts modern architecture and lighting. It specializes on creatively driven, fresh ingredient drinks. The pub offers wines and beers in addition to appetizers including burgers, fries, and salads. It’s a place to see and be seen as well as to sip a drink in a refined environment.
Die Burg is the spot to visit if you search for a classy and old tavern. Found in the Alter Platz, the oldest square in Klagenfurt, this bar is housed in a medieval castle from the 16th century. Along with nibbles and cakes, it presents a selection of beverages ranging from champagne and cocktails to coffee and tea. This is somewhere to unwind, take in the buildings, and sip a drink.
Popular Places In Kragenfurt
Klagenfurt-Annabichl Church
ATRIO Villach
Landhaus-Klagenfurt
Stadttheater Klagenfurt
Parish Church of Klagenfurt-St. Rupert
SÜDPARK Shopping Center Klagenfurt
Rauschelesee
State Museum of Carinthia
Church St. Elisabeth
Bookstore Johannes Heyn
Kragenfurt Info Card
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Austria, near the border with Slovenia |
| Elevation | 446 m (1,463 ft) above sea level |
| Population | 100,316 (as of 2018) |
| Tourism office | Neuer Platz 1, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee |
| Postal code | 9020, 9061, 9063, 9065, 9073, 9201 |
| Phone prefix | 0463 |
| Area | 120.12 km2 (46.38 sq mi) |
| Established | 1246 |
| Language | German (official), Slovene (minority) |
| License Plate | K |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | 15 districts and 25 neighborhoods |
| Weather & Climate | Humid continental climate with four distinct seasons |
| Best Time To Visit | May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Wörthersee, Klagenfurt Cathedral, Lindwurm fountain, Minimundus, Landhaus, Pyramidenkogel, etc |
